Another big project build

[Jonester 123]

Hi guys and gals, i am also rebuilding my 1980 camaro. Alot of bodywork and rust repairs, already got the whole car torn down with motor and transmission out. I have tons of pics so i will post some of how she looks.

 

[ML-TOYS]

Nice project to take on, whats the plans for it motor related ?

 

[Jonester 123]

Hello there, its a restoration rebuild. Took out the old 305 v8 engine and turbo 350 transmission. Going to be putting in a new 350 high performance engine of around 400 horsepower, and re use my good working turbo 350 transmission. Needs new suspension front and back, interior work, complete new exhaust by magnaflow. The camaro will be painted a dark blue pearl with mettalic silver ss stripes, but need to finish all the bodywork and welding in of new panels.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Cool- but more of a "restomod" than a restoration or rebuild, no? Seeing as you're not using factory original parts?

Just curious- are you putting in a crate engine?

 

[Jonester 123]

I will be keeping and rebuilding the original motor and parts, so it can be returned to the original factory condition, but for now yes more of a custom rebuild. The motor will be a crate high performance 350 with atleast 400 horsepower or better, or a 454 high performance crate engine with around 500 horsepower. Saving up to buy the engine i choose. Going to be an expensive build. hahaha

 

[OzFab]

The motor will be a crate high performance 350 with atleast 400 horsepower or better, or a 454 high performance crate engine with around 500 horsepower. Saving up to buy the engine i choose. Going to be an expensive build. hahaha

With that much power, you may want to rethink the turbo 350 or overbuild it.

Did you know, the the number proceding the name indicates the suggested maximum horsepower of the engine. ie: turbo 350 is only recommended for up to 350hp; turbo 400 is recommended for 400hp. That being said, this is a guide based on factory specs, it's possible to rebuild a turbo 350 to handle 450hp

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Yeah- I'd use the 400 if you're going to install that rat.

 

[Jonester 123]

Hi guys, yes i agree, if i go higher than about 350 horsepower i will cleanup and sell my good turbo 350 trans to buy a new 400 transmission. Used 400 transmissions here you can get one for a few hundred dollars depending on condition. Still have lots of time to decide on engine and transmission setup, been doing all the bodywork and welding in of new patch panels etc. Long road ahead of me yet.

 

[Jonester 123]

Have some more progress pics on my camaro, all suspension removed and rear end. Also removed gas tank, alot of new parts to get ordered so i can start getting things put back together slowly.

 

[OzFab]

Dude, what's with the mini pics? I can't see anything in those.

It's surprising how easy body work is when you know how

 

[Jonester 123]

Dude, what's with the mini pics? I can't see anything in those.
Sorry about the pics , just grabbed some and put them up and did not notice the size.
It's surprising how easy body work is when you know how

I have been doing body work for long time, i enjoy doing it very much. Very satisfying seeing old rusted panels look like new again.

 

[Jonester 123]

IMHO, I would rebuild the factory 305 in the car. With SBC(small block chevy) you can change it from a 305 to 327 stroker for less than $500 in the block, then do whatever you want besides change out the heads. Reason I say this is to keep all the original numbers with the car. Simply swapping out an engine can cut the restored resale value over half. I know you don't want to sell it because you are taking them time to restore it, but look at it like an investment, if you had to sell it, you could get a lot more out of it.
I totaly agree with you about keeping the camaro with the stock parts, i will be keeping all the stock parts and getting them re built. I may be customizing my camaro now but anything i do can always be changed back to the original factory condition when it was manufactured.
I had a co-worker with a 1970 all numbers matched Nova, including the original PDI(pre-delivery inspection) markings on the fan shroud. This should have been an easy $25-30k sell when done, except he swapped a GM performance ZZ350 in and cut his max price to just over $15k completely restored.

I see no reason, whether monetary or or skill related, not to simply rebuild and hop up that old 305. Besides, unless you want to drop another couple hundred to a grand in the trans and driveline, your max hp will be limited unless you want to break other stuff.

I agree man, but i want to put in a 350 v8 with around 300 plus horsepower for now. The 305 engine just does not have the power i want to move the camaro. Time will tell i guess.

 

[florida_mud_runner]

I agree man, but i want to put in a 350 v8 with around 300 plus horsepower for now. The 305 engine just does not have the power i want to move the camaro. Time will tell i guess.

I would do the same thing . You posted earlier about keeping all the original parts . That in my opinion would be your best bet and would definitely increase the sale price if you ever wanted to sell . By the way ..... this is my favorite camaro of them all ! The 78,79, and 80 camaro are the best looking in my opinion . Good luck on the restore and cant wait to see the final product

 

[OzFab]

IMHO, I would rebuild the factory 305 in the car. With SBC(small block chevy) you can change it from a 305 to 327 stroker for less than $500 in the block, then do whatever you want besides change out the heads. Reason I say this is to keep all the original numbers with the car.

IIRC, the heads aren't numbered, only the block is.

Having said that, the only thing preventing you from pulling 300hp out of that engine is your wallet. With a stroker kit, some head work, cam, decent carbs & exhaust you should get 300hp out of it without really trying

http://www.stevesnovasite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=177849
http://www.hotrod.com/projectbuild/hrdp_0609_500hp_small_block_chevy_build/viewall.html

 

[Jonester 123]

I would do the same thing . You posted earlier about keeping all the original parts . That in my opinion would be your best bet and would definitely increase the sale price if you ever wanted to sell . By the way ..... this is my favorite camaro of them all ! The 78,79, and 80 camaro are the best looking in my opinion . Good luck on the restore and cant wait to see the final product

Hello there, keeping all factory parts and getting them rebuilt later when i do decide to sell the camaro. Going to ne a long expensive build, alot of bodywork and replacing rotted panels with new ones and welding them in place. already have spent about two thousand plus dollars in materials and bodywork. Its a labour of love and passion to get the camaro looking new again.

 

[Jonester 123]

IIRC, the heads aren't numbered, only the block is.

Having said that, the only thing preventing you from pulling 300hp out of that engine is your wallet. With a stroker kit, some head work, cam, decent carbs & exhaust you should get 300hp out of it without really trying

http://www.stevesnovasite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=177849
http://www.hotrod.com/projectbuild/hrdp_0609_500hp_small_block_chevy_build/viewall.html

Hey man, i agree the old 305 engine could be very easilt hoped up with bigger cam and a good racing kit with the right tuning to get around three hundred plus horsepower. But i want a good high performance 350 engine that is got all the high end parts to make around three hundred and fiftyish horsepower. the prices i got so far range around $3500.00 and up depending on mods and internals and not counting shipping costs. Need to decide eventually.